05/06/2026
The subject has been located and is in custody.
**UPDATE**
Sheriff Rodney Smith is pleased to announced Andrew Martin is in custody at Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. Martin is pending extradition to Franklin County on his (F3) Warrant for Failure to Register as a Tier II S*x Offender.
Investigation is still ongoing for the events that took place on May 5, 2026 in The Plains.
Sheriff Smith is currently seeking information that could lead to the arrest of 35-year-old Andrew Joesph Martin with an active warrant from Franklin County for Failure to Register as a Tier II S*x Offender. Martin is a person of interest in an ongoing investigation in Athens County.
On May 5th, 2026, Deputies of Athens County were dispatched to 15 Cross Street, The Plains, concerning an active structure fire and the discovery of a deceased person inside the residence. Martin was identified by video footage leaving the scene traveling on foot towards Connett Road. At approximately 9:30 a.m. Martin was seen making a phone call at a place of business (Spices of Life) and upon leaving headed in an unknown direction.
The Sheriff’s Office is working diligently in conjunction with The State Fire Marshals & The Coroner’s Office on this ongoing investigation. Currently the coroner’s office is actively working on a positive identification of the deceased and the notifying their next of kin.
Martin is 5’7” and approximately 135 lbs., he was last seen wearing a checkered button up shirt, blue jeans, black shoes, and green toboggan and has an active warrant out of Franklin County, OH for failure to register as a Tier II s*x offender.
“We will continue to pursue those who attempt to evade law enforcement and the individuals who try to hide those wanted,” said Sheriff Smith. “We also want the public to know that ever tip is taken seriously. Information received from our community play a critical role in helping us locate persons of interest and keeping Athens County safe.”
We will continue to update as much as possible while the investigation unfolds.
Sheriff Rodney Smith commends the following agencies in their efforts to contain the situation without further incident and allowing the investigation to continue safely: The Plains Fire, Athens Fire, Chauncey Fire, York Fire, Richland Fire, Athens County EMS, Athens County Coroners Office, State Highway Patrol, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and AEP.